Sources / Amplification
For this section I have used the Duo pads as these are the preferred pads for my listening/tuning preference. Except for with the Mojo 2, the Empyrean 2 was always connected to the balanced output. With the Empyrean 2’s 32 Ω impedance and 105dB sensitivity it on paper is an easy to drive headphone. That said, it does scale up nicely with better amplification.
DAP
The Astell&Kern SP3000 without amplification usually isn’t a setup I recommend for full-sized headphones. To get to a normal listening volume, the dial goes up to at least 70 on the AK. This combo gives you a fast pace, good detail and dynamics, but it isn’t fullest sounding. Bass is lighter in presence but it is punchy, fast and precise. The vocals have good energy and the top end extends well. The mid timbre is nice but it’s missing some presence, as the vocals get pushed a little ;ore to the front. Even though the delivery is musical and energetic, I don’t find this source to make the Empyrean 2 its best. It’s not bad, but the Empyrean is capable of more.
Switching to the more powerful Cayin N8ii, with tube mode, solid state mode , Class A/AB and P+ power mode, we get a different story. I do suggest using P+ mode as this makes the Empyrean 2 sound more like with a desktop amplifier. You get a weightier sound from top to bottom and better bass presence/impact. Of course this means that you need to use Class AB mode, but you can still switch between tube an solid state. My personal preference here goes to the tube mode as you get a richer sound, with the better mid timbre. In solid state mode you get a slightly more sharper, aggressive presentation but to be honest the difference isn’t night and day. In P+ Power mode, I could happily use the Empyrean 2 all day long, but it’s not showing the full potential.
Portable
To be honest, I did not expect the Chord Electronics Mojo 2 and Empyrean 2 combo to have the best synergy, but it’s way better than I expected. You get an impressive pace and a very tight and controlled sound. Sure it’s lighter in fulness but the dynamics and musicality are a pleasure to the ear. The vocals are more focused and that’s not something everyone likes, but the mid spaciousness and note extension/decay are impressive. The top end is clear and energetic and that’s always a plus to me. Bass isn’t the biggest in presence and the impact is lower, but it is punchy, fully controlled and tight. So all-in-all a technically strong but lighter bodied sound.
I have really been enjoying Woo Audio’s tube Tube-Mini with the Diana MR when I was traveling in the US the past few weeks. The Mini gets loud fast with the Empyrean, so watch out with that. If there is no music playing, there is a little bit of noise audible from the tubes, but nothing to worry about. With this source you get a somewhat fuller sounding Empyrean 2 compared to the Mojo 2. You also get bigger bass with more impact and you get a slower, smoother tube presentation instead of the fast, super dynamic Mojo 2. Vocals blend in here more and I like the additional warmth and tube smoothness. It’s maybe not the most revealing or detailed combo, but the musicality and timbre make up for it.
Desktop
The amplifier I have been using most lately is the SAEQ PDA-1b and lucky for me the synergy with the Empyrean 2 is excellent. It’s not the type of amplifier that adds anything to the sound but it is technically super strong while always remaining musical. In this combo that translates in a spacious, airy sound with excellent extension on both ends. The mid timbre is musical and the note decay here is exemplary. The depth and layering is not the strongest point but the combo makes up for that with musicality, perfect control and impact. Again, don’t expect a very full or heavier sound with bigger bass presence, you won’t find this here.
The best amplifier discovery at the latest CanJam SoCal show for me was the Austrian Audio Full Score One, especially with the TTT engaged. The Empyrean here sounds fuller and the bass presence and impact is bigger. Admittedly, it’s not the tightest, best controlled kind of bass but it makes up for that with it’s resolution, depth and layering. The mids timbre here is excellent and the vocal tuning sounds natural and realistic. It’s a highly revealing but also very musical combo, where the top end is a little softer on the ear. The stereo imaging and positioning here are impressive. All-in-all it’s a more neutral tuning with an excellent pace, high technical level, engaging character and musical presentation. Recommended if you don’t miss the warmer and/or softer tuning.
Switching to tube amps, the first one we’re looking at is the Feliks Audio Envy. At shows it’s one of the most used amplifiers to demo Meze Audio headphones with, so it couldn’t be missing in this overview. In general I would describe the Envy as a high-end amplifier with a high resolution and a fuller sound, and that’s exactly what we find in this combo, but with a little tube goodness on top. This is a nice combo but if you are looking for even more technical excellence, the Headonia is the amp to look at.
The Auris Audio Headonia with the 2A3 tube set is not available at this point as Auris is working on a new version of it but it is my favorite tube amp for the Empyrean 2. You get good body, omnipresent weight, a high technical level and all of that topped off with tube smoothness, great dynamics and a very musical delivery. Bass is tight, fast and punchy. The mids are nicely airy and spacious with excellent note decay. Vocals are energetic and lively, just like the treble section. For a tube amp the higher frequencies carry great clarity and energy. Sound stage width and airiness with this amp is the best. Fully recommended. (Try Billie Eilish’ What was I made for?)
If you are looking for full sounding signature solid state amplifier, you absolutely need to look at Violectric and Niimbus. With the Niimbus US4+, the Empyrean 2 shows body and weight with an energetic delivery. The technical level here is good and the combo with the Empyrean 2 sounds lively and highly dynamic. The bass and mid-range here is excellent, while the top end is crispy but never harsh on the ears.
The part on Sound continues on page four with comparisons and the conclusion. Click here.
Page 1: Meze Audio, Intro, Empyrean 2, Box & Accessories & Price, Design & Build Quality & Comfort, Pads
Page 2: Sound, Sound general, Pads
Page 3: Sound: Sources & Amplification
Page 4: Sound Comparisons, Conclusion, Summary
Page 5: Full Specifications
Kevin
The sensitivity is 105 db per 1 volt, not 105 db per 1 mw. In terms of milliwatts, the sensitivity is about 90 db per 1 mw
That’s why it seemed harder to drive than you thought it should be.
Ryan
Comparing N8ii and Mojo 2, which would you consider a better pairing with the Empyrean 2